UK Gaming Computers ‘Minos’ Mini PC Review

Introduction

In the UK there are a growing number of system integrators to chose from when buying a new PC and with such a competitive market, it is not the easiest of tasks to decide who to buy your new system from. Whilst many people do opt to go for the bigger, more well known names such as PC Specialist, Overclockers UK and Scan, there are a whole host of smaller companies out there who strive to offer high quality systems and customer service alike.

For many people, including myself UK Gaming Computers are a company that until now I’ve never heard of. Formed in 2009, the Essex based integrator that have been building custom systems like no other in their thousands, offering unique paint jobs, modifications and even bespoke system builds on a per-client basis. As well as building systems, UKGC also offer an extended line of services which include laser panel cutting, airbrushing and even wrapping your system in caron fibre.

The companies main focus is on quality over quantity and this is how they have managed to build up a rapport for some of the best individual systems in the UK market. Up to this point UK Gaming Computers have never had one of their systems reviewed, so I will say that I am a little privileged to be the first person to take a proper look at one of their systems and give my thoughts back on it. The system that has been sent across to me is UKGC’s latest creation and also their new flagship mini-PC and goes my the name “Minos” – meaning the ‘Son on Zeus. As well as being a flagship system, the case has also been covered in a new prototype paint finish, which adds another style to the extensive selection of finishes that are already on offer.

The Minos starts from £1,629.99 inc VAT and can be purchased here, however the system that we have has had a couple of additions made to it and as a result is a little more expensive.

• Name: Minos
• Case: Fractal Design Node 304
• MB: Gigabyte Z87N-WIFI
• CPU: Intel Core i7 4770k @ 4.4GHz
• RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz (2x8GB)
• SSD: 120GB Corsair Force LS
• HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX Titan 6GB
• Cooler: Corsair H80i
• PSU: Corsair TX650 V2
• Paint: ‘Crystal Ice’ in Toxic Green
• OS: Optional Windows 7 or 8
• Warranty: 3 Years complete / Life-time technical support
• Price: £1,810.59 inc VAT + Delivery (£16 + VAT)

There is no prizes for guessing what chassis the system comes in and don’t worry, the system was packed inside another protective film along with the clear warning that the system likes to be handled with care.

Opening the box up, I am a little surprised to see a ton of packing peanuts included on top of the standard protective foam that the chassis is otherwise shipped in (Note at this point I’ve not been made aware of the paint). This goes to show that UKGC take pride in their work and wish to protect it in the best way possible for transit between themselves and you the customer.

In a separate packet came all the user manuals for the key parts of the system, along with the motherboards WiFi antenna and mains power cable.